INTRODUCTION TO COMPOSITE MATERIALS SCIENCE - 2018/9

Module code: ENGM102

Module Overview

The course covers the essential concepts and practices of Composite Materials. All topics are introduced from first principles and the emphasis is on developing a critical understanding of concepts rather than a detailed review of current practice.

Set of short questions covering the entire syllabus which require demonstration of an understanding of the underlying issues relevant to a wide range of fibre architecture/matrix/property relationships. Two long questions requiring extensive research to identify and integrate information on an issue of current relevance to advanced composite materials from self-determined sources to propose appropriate solutions and recognition, analysis and solution of a complex problem relevant to composite materials.

· Written feedback is given on the first assessment coursework (Q1 & Q2), which is submitted in advance of the final summative assessment.

Module aims

provide a systematic understanding of the fundamental science and technology of engineering composite materials

study the often complex interactions between the matrix, reinforcement and interface in composite materials, leading to an understanding of the relationships between reinforcement geometry and composite properties

evaluate critically the principles behind important design considerations, processing technologies and test methods, leading to an ability to evaluate current understanding of the relationship between composite design, fabrication and performance.

Learning outcomes

Attributes Developed

1

Students will be able to: describe and comment on the basic mechanical behaviour of composite materials and make sound judgements on the likely behaviour of new combinations of material

KC

2

Support the choices made for using certain types of composites in certain applications with reference to composite properties

KC

3

Demonstrate a practical understanding of composite properties and fabrication techniques, and to be able to make realistic suggestions for the evaluation of composite behaviour, where appropriate

KC

4

Demonstrate an understanding of the underlying issues through the appropriate interpretation of assessment questions

KC

Attributes Developed

C - Cognitive/analytical

K - Subject knowledge

T - Transferable skills

P - Professional/Practical skills

Overall student workload

Independent Study Hours: 120

Lecture Hours: 13

Tutorial Hours: 7

Laboratory Hours: 10

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to introduce the fundamentals of composite materials through lectures, tutorials (including worked example classes) and practical classes. This is delivered through lectures and tutorial classes.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2018/9 academic year.